Disunited States of America... Washington died

[Napoleonrules]

1818/1819

NY, MA, CT, and PA meet in Springfield, MA to discuss western territories and other matters. NY reciprocates with CT and PA regarding western claims. MA delegates propose that they want a free hand in NH, as this would help open up a valve for their over population to stay in MA and encourage further settling of their Maine counties. PA agrees but CT and NY are wary and end discussions on the matter. The Northwest Territory not claimed by NY or PA has mostly been settled so far by French from Canada and New Englanders (or New Englanders that had first settled in Upstate NY); with the discovery of lead deposits there has been increasing immigrants from Europe. A joint commission of NY and MA delegates are sent to Green Bay to establish law and order under a joint sovereignty program; on paper NY, MA, CT, and PA will all share custody, revenue, and expenses, but in practice only NY and MA ends up responsible for defense, buying land from Natives, making treaties, and establishing government structures.

To get finances under control VA sells the Louisiana Territory between the 36 degree 30 minute latitude south to the 35th degree latitude to North Carolina (with no western delineation specified). VA cedes to SC their claim south of what they sold to NC in return for free movement guarantees on the Mississippi and a promise that Jackson and a significantly sized arm from SC come to support VA's war against PA.

Thanks to negotiations started by NC ambassador to SC- Isaac Shelby- NC and SC agree on treaty in which NC will not support the Creek in return for SC's guarantee of free movement on the Mississippi and Tennessee rivers between the two nations.

Clark exchanges prisoners and frees Winfield Scott, headquarters are set up in the newly established town of Calhoun (named in honor of new SC President John C. Calhoun to whom VA is trying to butter up in order to get more troops). Calhoun is situated on the Sangamon River, a tributary of the Illinois, and northwest of Effingham and Fort Harrison. Clark begins construction of a military road from the abandoned Fort Madison near the confluence of the Iowa and Mississippi rivers southeast to Peoria where it crosses with the road from Fort Dearborn to St Louis, then continues to Springfield and turns east to Lenape. He has a military road from St Louis to Lenape begun as well, and improvements made to the each end of the road from Evansville to Fort Dearborn which passes through Lenape. His hopes are to have multiple routes for supplies, Native troops, and retreat routes available for a convergence on Lenape, from where his plan is to march east rapidly taking Springfield, Columbus, and on to Pittsburgh and hope to threaten the PA capital at Johnstown.

Jackson is upset about being sent to VA as he wishes to crush the Seminoles in Florida and take the entire Florida colony from Spain. He travels with a sizeable SC army through the Cumberland Gap, and with NC permission, through NC to set up his headquarters at Winchester, VA; near the MD border. He lets word leak that his plan is to cross into MD and follow old Braddock's Road to Pittsburgh. In reality he hopes to capture Gettysburg along the Philadelphia to Pittsburgh road cutting off the two main cities of PA, then York, Lancaster, and Reading thereby isolating Philadelphia and causing the elites to sue for peace. He is unaware of Clark's plan for rapid movement to Pittsburgh once the western roads are built.

CT accedes to Hull's recommendations and all current and future CT settlers of the Western Reserve are guaranteed no loss of rights or citizenship, the Western Reserve is given representation in the legislature, and immigrants to the Western Reserve are required the same immigration process as in CT proper. The CT constitution is amended to reflect that Western Reserve is part of CT.

The Panic of 1819 hits the Eastern Seaboard as agricultural output has increased in Europe following the peace and stability since the Napoleonic Wars ended, Europe no longer needs the wheat and corn of the Americas as much and prices drop, currencies in the nations from SC to New Hampshire have been hit hard. NH has defaulted again. MA uses NH's economic woes as a pretext for invasion. VT declares war on MA. NY issues a formal protest but nothing more. MA is NH's second largest creditor, Britain being the largest. Britain sends word to MA that they will lend their tacit approval in return for guarantee of payment of all NH debts.

 

[Napoleonrules]

1820/1821

In 1820 eastern New Hampshire is easily overrun by MA army and naval ships occupy the ports. Vermont however occupies northern and western NH in defense of the NH govt which flees to Brattleboro, VT. NY issues a warning to MA not to invade VT or NY will defend their territorial integrity. 1821 sees a stalemate occur with VT in control of the towns along the Connecticutt River but MA in control of everything else. CT offers to mediate a peace treaty.

The Upper Louisiana territory that has remained as part of VA's claim has seen an influx of more people as they avoid the war areas of VA's Illinois and Saratoga counties. Evansville to St Louis road has greatly improved. Early settlers under the Spanish, such as Daniel Boone and his sons have trailblazed the Boone's Lick Road, and the now the Santa Fe Trail has begun as a branch from it at Franklin on the Missouri River southwest to Santa Fe. Virginia finally organizes the Upper Louisiana Territory as the Missouri Territory under a military govt to try and organize and bring law and order after having recalled William Clark. At first the lawlessness was a drawing point for people wishing to start new, avoid taxes, and set up large estates; however now crime is a problem and settling opposing legal claims to land has become a deadly ordeal.

As the roads are improved to Lenape from multiple directions, in 1821 Winfield Scott leads the main force southeast from Fort Dearborn as William Clark leads another east from Calhoun. Smaller forces comes northeast from Evansville and northwest from Cincinnati. By the time word reaches Pike winter has begun and he doesn't wish to have his force get surrounded in Lenape, so instead of moving southwest to relieve the city, he heads south from Fort Wayne to Springfield instead, hoping the city holds out through the winter, and then he can break Clark and Scott after they've ridden out the winter in a siege camp and his force has had better accommodations in a moderately sized town with plenty of supplies.

Captain Jacob Brown of NY is sent to Pike at Springfield and he is made a brevet rank of brigadier general and given a force to travel south to capture Cincinnati and then bring the war to Kentucky by traveling south to Frankfurt and Lexington on raiding expeditions to destroy crops, harass settlers, and cause discontent with the war. Steamboats with small cannons mounted and detachments of marines have been doing the same with Upper Ohio River towns around Wheeling, they are to help in the attack on Cincinnati, then move on to Louisville and Evansville to hope to draw some forces away from Lenape.

Jackson moves north through MD and attacks Gettysburg before PA knows what is going on. PA militia is moved to Lancaster and set up defensive positions in case he moves east, PA regular army forces stationed along defensive positions along Braddock's road are moved east to confront Jackson, they assume he will head towards the capital instead of Philadelphia. Jackson takes York and stops, he sends raiding parties to Harrisburg, but doesn't think he can take on the militia in their fortifications at Lancaster without losing too many men this far from VA without knowing how long MD will keep the border open.

PA declares that MD has acted in bad faith and that allowing Jackson's force through is an act of war. PA declares war on SC since Jackson and his force are SC army regulars, but does not declare war on MD. PA sends the majority of their naval vessels to harass SC shipping and blockade Savannah and Charleston. CT, thankful for the services PA rendered during the war against the RoE rebels, declares war on VA and SC as well, Hull and his men who were on their way back to CT are reassembled mostly still Philadelphia, and Hull sets out to join the PA militia in Lancaster. CT naval forces assemble to head to the Chesapeake Bay to blockade Norfolk and the entrance to the bay, hoping to punish MD as well.

 

[Napoleonrules]

1822/1823

NJ sent the NJS Alligator (New Jersey Ship) to combat the slave trade in Africa and the Caribbean starting in 1820. In 1822 originally on the way to Cuba the captain diverts to Charleston to help in the PA and CT blockade without orders to do so. The captain claims it is simply to make sure slave ships don't get through. In reality it is because the captain hates slavery and the South's "peculiar institution". While in Africa he had negotiated the purchase of land with the intention of starting a colony for freed Blacks.

At the Treaty of Hartford, the NY negotiates for Vt per the old treaty giving NY the right of maintaining VT's foreign affairs and recognizes MA authority in NH in return for MA payment of $20,000 to VT and amnesty for all NH freedom fighters. VT and MA borders are delineated. MA vows to assume all NH debt.

Pike mobilizes while it is still early 1822 and sets up fortifications surrounding the eastern half of Scott and Clark's fortifications surrounding Lenape. Pike attacks and the forces inside the city attack from within. That portion is commanded by Clark and he is mortally wounded, Scott's forces on the western side of the city push into the city but now roles are reversed and it is PA besieging VA inside Lenape. In 1823 Scott surrenders.

Brown has taken Cincinnatti and has ranged far and wide throughout Kentucky burning and raiding everything.

Jackson has fared better, once he realized that Hull and his CT army was being reassembled for use against him he moves west instead of his original plan to encircle Philadelphia. Jackson engages a PA army near Chambersburg and defeats them. A detachment raids Harrisburg and parties are sent to inflict similar punishment as Brown has done in KY.

President Key of Maryland calls for a general conference of all interested parties including CT, NY, NJ, PA, MD, VA, and SC to meet in Dover, DE in 1824 to settle the war as both VA and PA are being hurt directly and not just in western territories and the flow of settlers are being cut off or discouraged.

 

[Napoleonrules]

1824/1825

In 1824 Dover, DE the Treaty of Dover is signed ending hostilities. VA cedes to PA the portion of Saratoga County north of PA's claimed border (the latitude that crosses the Miami and Ohio confluence). VA recognizes NY's Michigan territory and NY & MA the Wisconsin Territory. All parties recognize and agree to respect VA's Illinois County and the remainder of Saratoga county and the Missouri Territory. SC agrees not to ever send troops north of the NC/VA border, while PA, NJ, NY, and CT agree to repatriate escaped slaves. Ferries and plans for bridges at Cincinnatti and Wheeling are agreed upon. Slaveholders in former Saratoga County will be allowed to leave with their slaves in one year time, but those that wish to remain now that it is PA territory must free their slaves by the end of that year. PA will pay fair market value for their freedom. PA relinquishes all claims west of their new territory and CT, NY, MD, and SC all sign promising to support by means of force the integrity of VA's western claims.

Jackson returns to SC a hero and runs immediately at the last minute for President. And wins. He vows to annex Florida and remove Native tribes west of the Mississippi.

 

[Napoleonrules]

1826/1827

Jefferson and Adams, first presidents of VA and MA, and both considered founders of the defunct confederation called the United States of America, die on the same day in 1826. Joint mourning ceremonies are conducted in both states and in several others. Hamilton attends Adams funeral, but not Jefferson's. Jackson attends Jefferson's. A north-south rift is seen in who attends whom's funeral.

NYS Detroit leaves NY harbor to become the first warship of any eastern seaboard nation to circumnavigate the world.

Haden Edwards, a Virginian who had lived in parts of SC for some time, had recently received a land grant from the new republic established in Mexico after independence from Spain. The land grant is along the undeclared and shady area of the SC and Mexico border. Edwards leads a short-lived rebellion, establishing the Republic of Freedonia, hoping to be annexed by SC. Jackson is sympathetic but ultimately does not think it is wise to interfere. He sends word on wanting to negotiate regarding the border and sends word to VA and NC if they wish to negotiate too regarding their western borders in former Louisiana, they decline as they feel it is obvious their western claims extend to the edge of the Mississippi River basin drainage line, not realizing this overlapped Mexican (and previously Spanish) claims to the upper Arkansas River; NC's claim extends into New Mexico region north of the Red River. It is SC's claim that extends into areas already settled by French and Spanish, now Mexican subjects.

The Sabine River has been settled (and disputed) over the years by French, Spanish, and Americans from SC and Virginia (and other Americans). Since the Spanish colony of Florida and Spanish Louisiana had been part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain (Florida through the Captaincy of Cuba), the Mexican government claimed East Florida and that the French sale of Louisiana to Virginia was "illegal" because of the French promise to the Spanish not to sell it to anyone else, and the Spanish sale to South Carolina illegal because it was French territory. The Spanish have a loose hold on Florida due to Seminole insurrections and SC intrusions. Jackson decides to use Mexico's claim for his own good and hope to avoid another war after returning from the VA/PA war.

Treaty of New Orleans gives Mexico the entire Sabine River Valley and marks the border as the watershed of the Mississippi to the 32 degree longitude, north to the Red River west to the 100th longitude, then north to the NC/SC border. In return Mexico releases their claim on Florida and Louisiana to SC. Jackson uses this and continued Seminole raids as a pretext in 1827 to invade Florida.

The climate, crops, and soil of northern Illinois County in Virginia, along with the types of immigrants settling there does not make the area conducive to slavery. Several communities around, including Calhoun, outlaw slavery. Communities south of an extension of the PA/VA petition the VA legislature to divide Illinois County along that line with and unite with the leftover Saratoga County, VA legislature complies but also passes a law that communities and counties cannot outlaw slavery. Some in Pennsylvania and Illinois County call for another PA invasion but they are a very small minority.

The Erie Canal has made boom towns of Buffalo (NY), Erie (PA), Cleveland (CT), Toledo (PA), Detroit (NY colony), and Green Bay (Joint occupied Wisconsin Territory). The City of New York has solidified by 1827 their position as the primary city for immigration to the West from Europe, and Albany, NY as the primary entrepot for New England immigration westward.

New Orleans surpasses Charleston to become the largest city in South Carolina. Old SC elites worry about "French culture", defy calls for movement of the capital west from Columbia.

Cincinnati becomes the third largest town in PA behind the City of Philadelphia and the District of Northern Liberties.

Cleveland is growing fast and quickly goes from 1/10th population of Hartford or New Haven to being only 1/6th in less than 5 years.

All these western cities growing quickly and outpacing the home cities and counties is causing concern among the "old families". Many of the nations see rising political or military leaders having been born in the West or have moved there early on. North Carolina sees rising star James Polk for instance.

 

[Napoleonrules]

1828/1829

North/South split in culture and politics is seen in foreign relations when NY, CT, MA, NJ, and PA all enact huge tariffs on foreign goods through 1828 and 1829. It starts when NY enacts their tariff to cash in on the flow of goods traveling through on the way West, this hurts CT and MA manufacturers making their goods more expensive than NY goods traveling west. CT then increases their tariffs so that NY goods going to Cleveland are more expensive (MA goods would then have two sets of tariffs, first NY then MA). MA enacts tariffs to keep British cheap goods out. Then VT does the same against NY and MA goods. NJ follows suit. PA then passes theirs as well to protect against British dumping and NY goods flowing through the Great Lakes. The one bright spot is that NY, PA, MA, and CT all agree to no tariffs on goods from any of their nations going into the jointly administered Wisconsin Territory, though NY still places a tariff on goods passing through to Wisconsin on the Erie Canal (along with lock fees of course), and on passing through their Michigan Territory.

Central banks are established in northern nations (and MD) but not in VA, NC, or SC. DE signs treaty establishing that PA central bank in Philadelphia will manage DE's financial concerns.

The Southern nations of VA, NC, and SC enact constitutional amendments specifically outlawing tariffs on anything other than agricultural products, as they need Britain and the North to sell them finished products for two reasons- 1) lack of industry 2) the north and Britain need a way to pay for all that southern cotton. CT renews their most favored nation status with SC. MA grows closer to NC as NC sees Jackson as a "lost son" who abandoned his home to become "dictator of South Carolina" and John Quincy Adams, new President of MA has a personal distaste for Jackson.

MA, PA, CT, NY (also in the name of VT), and NJ sign treaties with Britain; Britain de jure recognizes their independence (finally) from the old USA in return for those nations signing up for the Blockade of Africa and to send ships to help the West Africa Squadron eliminate the slave trade. Britain agrees to no more impressment or harassment.

In 1828 SC, NC, VA, and MD all receive de jure recognition from Britain after threatening to cut off cotton trade though they all agree to ban the importation of new slaves. This was going to happen anyways as the current population of slaves is self-sufficient in reproducing and importation would only serve as a deflationary manner on the value of the current slaves. Only DE does not receive recognition.

Georgia Gold Rush begins in SC in 1829. SC now has wealth from gold and from cotton (which is as good as gold). SC formalizes a treaty with Spain regarding Florida in exchange for what most people feel is too much considering the large sums spent on recent wars and purchasing the Louisiana Territory. Jackson believes the value of goods in and out of the ports and the sale of land of Florida will pay SC back quickly and that the new gold rush would cause inflation if it isn't sent out of the country quickly.

 

[focusjon]

Any way we can get a map?

 

[Napoleonrules]

I'd love to work on one, but I'm at a loss of where to go to work on it. If anyone can point me to how to create one I'd love to do it, or if someone is interested in doing the map I can answer any questions as to where to draw the borders for any year in the timeline.

 

[Napoleonrules]

1830/1831

Book of Mormon published. Church of Christ organized.

Presidents in 1830-
MA- John Quincy Adams
VT- Samuel Crafts
CT- Gideon Tomlinson
NY- Martin Van Buren
NJ- Peter Vroom
PA- George Wolf
DE- David Hazzard
MD- Francis Scott Key
VA- Henry Clay
NC- John Owen
SC- Andrew Jackson

In 1831 the NY legislature passes the Michigan Personal Union bill. Michigan is given nominal independence with a personal union with NY, but with a twist. Michigan and NY jointly by popular vote for the President, who is then president of both nations; a strong executive with extreme foreign policy purview, a joint committee of 5 members from each legislative house from each nation (5 from two house per nation, 2 nations= 20 members) will meet once a year or as called, in alternating capitals, to ratify treaties and ratify presidential appointee to Secretary of Army, Navy, Indian Affairs, and any other posts deemed essential to foreign relations. All other Cabinet officials are separate per nation. One flag for both, and one designation for all naval vessals (NYS, New York Ship). One central bank with three main "branches"- NYC, Buffalo, and Detroit.

Van Buren encourages various NYC commercial interests to up NY's presence in the Oregon Country, Wisconsin, the Caribbean, Mexico, and China. He corresponds with John Quincy Adams regarding the status of Wisconsin and the threat still posed by an expansionist South now that PA is no longer a counterweight against VA. Hopes are that Mexico can box in SC and NC, an idea of aid to a creation of a Native confederation in VA's Missouri territory to keep VA from the Pacific coast is discussed.

 

[Napoleonrules]

1832/1833

President Jackson of SC, hoping to eliminate the constant fighting between Whites and Natives decides to forcibly relocate the Creek, Chocktaw, Seminole, Cherokee, Chickasaw, and others. First originally decided to be between the Red and the Arkansas Rivers, however much of this was too heavily populated by Whites already for the liking of the government. The plan was then to put them in the farthest western reaches of SC's border squashed between NC and Mexico. Jackson even authorizes moving them to NC's far western reaches. When NC discovers in 1833 the plan and movement, protests are ignored by Jackson. NC does not feel they could win a war against a SC led by Jackson. NC sends out feelers for treaties with Mexico, MA, NY, and PA.

 

[Nocrazy]

Michigan will be independent soon. I can tell.

 

[Napoleonrules]

That's what I'm thinking. Probably also Wisconsin, I can't see the condominium structure of jointly running Wisconsin to be Wisconsin's best interest and as Adam Smith had pointed out- colonies are expensive. I think Michigan and Wisconsin will have strong ties to NY and NE still though; perhaps NY, Michigan, MA, and Wisconsin can all work towards reestablishing a form of the USA, and with the animosity towards the South maybe there ends up being a form of North-South "War between the States" regarding slavery and the West... just thoughts at this point, and the real Civil War is still almost 30 years later, but things could move faster ITTL without Federal compromises to diffuse tensions. Already lots of wars under the generation that at least kinda knew each other and fought on the same side during the Revolution, now you're getting a new generation that for the most part have never traveled as much, in OTL they would have mingled as US Congressmen and Senators, now they're running independent nations not meeting each other face to face. Lots of possibilities to come.

 

[Napoleonrules]

1834/1835

Richard Lawrence assassinates George Wolf as the President is taking a tour of Philadelphia in 1835. Elections are scheduled for that year anyways, Senate pro tempore serves as acting President until then. Joseph Ritner wins over Robert Lucas, being from Cincinatti he shows strength in the western part of the PA nation. With the west growing so fast the next election may not be so easy for someone from the Philadelphia area. Some say that a Vice President position needs to be created, to be given to the person who comes in second place, this would encourage third party candidates and make it more likely that if the President was from one geographical area the Vice President is from a different one, otherwise they would be splitting the vote of that geographical area, and a third party candidate may win or get the VP spot. Many critics deride the idea and downplay geographical differences.

Anglo-American settlers, especially from VA, NC, and SC rebel in northeastern Mexico, in a region called Texas. At first Jackson believes this is just another Freedonia; it quickly becomes noticeable by the end of 1835 that this is bigger. However, he is preoccupied with Seminole uprisings in SC and and a disgruntled NC denouncing what has come to be called the "Trail of Tears" depositing Natives on NC land. NC concentrates a large army at the newly established Fort Cass and David "Davy" Crockett is put in charge, he is ordered to train them in wilderness warfare and to head west to put an end to the trail in conjunction with Cherokee chief John Ross.

 

[Napoleonrules]

1836/1837

NC forces cross the Mississippi River and quickly establish posts along the roads being used by SC's army deporting the Natives from the East Coast. NC's forces are led by Davy Crocket and Sam Houston. SC forces under the command of William Travis engage in minor skirmishes with Crocket's forces but withdrawal. Travis receives word from James Bowie, leader of the Texas rebellion that should SC help Texas with their independence that there is plenty of land that Texas could settle all the Natives from SC and give SC the territory it gave Mexico in the Red and Sabine river valleys. Bowie sends word to Jackson that he is going to occupy the Sabine River Valley as a beginning and send goods, supplies, and training for the rebellion. News of the Battle of the Alamo reaches Jackson at the same time as Bowie's news. Jackson believes if there had been more leaders like Bowie there at the time to lead the Texans things would have worked out differently. He gives his approval to Travis and sends Thomas Jesup from dealing with the Seminoles to New Orleans in case things escalate.

Crocket and Houston hear of Travis' adventure to Mexico's Sabine River. NC authorizes Houston to lead an expedition to capture Santa Fe in hopes of forcing the Mexicans to recognize the NC/Mexican border as the watershed line between the Rio Grande and the Mississippi Basin (drained by the Red and Arkansas rivers) instead of the 100 degree longitude claimed by Mexico per their SC treaty. Crocket remains behind in case war breaks out with SC.

Michigan's population is steadily increasing but with less than 200,000 people versus NY's over 2,000,000 the calls for self-determination are reminded by the critics about what happened to CT's Western Reserve and the failed Republic of Erie. The British are still in Canada as well. Michigan does however begin to pass laws setting themselves a part from NY on various issues to stress their independence. A position of Governor-General of Michigan is created with domestic executive powers and to be President of the Senate as well; the first elected is Steven Mason. The capital is moved from Detroit to Ann Arbor to be further away from NY influences and any possible intimidation and threats from Canada. The NY legislature denounces the move of the capital and the creation of a Governor-General position and calls upon the President and their 10 members in the joint committee of 20 to intervene, but Constitutionally neither the legislature, the President, nor the committee can intervene as it is a domestic Michigan issue and not foreign affairs. President Van Buren does however issue a statement reminding the Michigan legislature that he is still head of state AND head of government for Michigan, and that the Governor-General can not act as head of either. Van Buren says the Governor-General is fine to play as the Senate equivalent of a Speaker of the Assembly (the lower house in NY and Michigan), but can not be the legal executive authority, domestically or otherwise.

 

[Napoleonrules]

1838/1839

Joseph Smith moves the Mormon community from Pennsylvania's Ohio Country to Virginia's Missouri Territory. Thanks in part to Mormon immigration to the Kansas City and Independence towns, Virginia organizes the part of Missouri from the Mississippi River to the Missouri River at Kansas City between the Viriginia/NC border and the 39 degree 6 minute latitude extension of the Saratoga/Illinois county border. Missouri is organized as two counties, one with Independence as county seat (Missouri), the other with St Charles as county seat (Mississippi). The rest of the Missouri Territory not incorporated into Virginia as counties is declared two unincorporated territories, Iowa north of Missouri and Mississippi's northern border, and Nebraska to the west. Illinois County is divided in two as well, with the new town of Chicago as county seat of Illinois and Calhoun as seat for Polypotamia.

By 1839 Joseph Smith and his Mormon community is expelled from Missouri, a young lawyer by the name of Abraham Lincoln invites Smith and his Mormons to Illinois.

Stephen Austin, of Virginia, has been helping lead settlers west to populate the plains along the Missouri, Platte, Kansas, and Arkansas rivers all the way to the foot of the Rockie Mountains to secure VA's claim. His stories of gold are not picked up for further speculating and are believed to be rumors he spreads in order to get more settlers.

James Polk becomes President of North Carolina in 1838. He works to restore friendship between NC and SC.

Henry Clay, President of VA, afraid of NC and SC moving closer and their possible use of the Texas Rebellion to gain control of more land west (and possibly grow strong enough to deny VA the use of the Mississippi free of harassment, tolls, or tariffs), decides to work with President John Quincy Adams of MA and his Secretary of State Daniel Webster on plans for an alliance.

It has taken longer than anyone thought due to a lack of leadership, but with SC help Texas has gained independence. Texas gives SC land east of the Sabine River but does not go through with the promise of the entire Red River and Sabine River valleys; in return for taking the Natives from SC president Jackson overlooks this. Texas claims the Rio Grande as the border, Mexico the Nueces. Texas feels it needs the Rio Grande border to have room to settle the Natives from SC. SC recognizes Texas' claim due to this.

 

[Napoleonrules]

1840/1841

Charles Wilkes claims part of Antarctica for NY based on his exploration and circumnavigation of the southern continent.

Henry Clay as President of VA taps Stephen Austin and Joseph Lane to lead an expedition along the Missouri River to the Oregon Country as some NYer's, Canadians, and Virginians have been settling the area and VA needs to secure an effective claim. Clay is paranoid of NC and SC making it to the Pacific Ocean and Canada and NY blocking VA from doing the same. He coins the words "Manifest Destiny" during a speech in Lenape in which he says "It is manifest to every Virginian that our Destiny is to spread our Republic from Sea to shining Sea".

Clay also pushes economic reforms, a protective tariff, internal improvements such as canals and roads (with the new technology of the "plank road"), a central bank, and industrialization on the CT model. Most controversial he comes out in favor of allowing individual counties to decide on the abolition of slavery within the county borders. Lincoln in Illinois County becomes a big proponent of all Clay's initiatives.

 

[Napoleonrules]

1842/1843

Providence, former capital of Rhode Island, being twice the size of New Haven and greatly dwarfing the CT capital of Hartford, begins to agitate for equal representation in the CT legislature. CT has kept representation from Rhode Island underrepresented by having the upper house represented by county and counting former Rhode Island as one county. Thomas Dorr rallies the Rhode Islanders and organizes a militia.

MA and the UK sign the Webster-Ashburton Treaty defining the border between Massachusetts with Quebec and New Brunswick. MA agrees to step up their support for a a slave trade free world.

Texas and Yucatan defeat Mexico in the Battle of Campeche, a naval engagement. Texas navy led by former Virginian naval lieutenant Edwin Moore. In SC, the Secretary of the Navy John Forsyth sees this naval victory by Texas as a turning point showing that Texas is here to stay. Forsyth gets Jackson and the legislature to work towards a treaty with Texas and Yucatan, some specific hopes are- a naval base on the Yucatan, most-favored nation status with Texas, purchase of land in northern Texas to allow western extension.

NC withdrawals Houston from Santa Fe after 5 years of occupation ignored by Mexico who refuses to negotiate. NC negotiates with Texas and purchases from debt ridden TX to extend NC westward to the watershed boundary of the Mississippi Basin. NC recognizes TX claim to Santa Fe.

Jackson recalls William Travis and the SC army from Texas. Travis resigns his commission and stays behind. He gives an impassioned speech to his men stating among other things, that Texas is SC's future. Back east SC elites and the middle class begin agitating for Texas annexation. Maps are published showing the original Carolina grant being sea to sea covering Texas. SC immigration to Texas is encouraged.

VA sends Stephen Kearny to deal with the Natives of the Great Plains and escort settlers to Oregon.

 

[Napoleonrules]

1844/1845

Samuel Morse demonstrates his telegraph (an "electric telegram") machine in CT sending a message from the capital at Hartford to the naval yard at New Haven. CT remains a hotbed for innovation and technology.

Joseph Smith dies in Illinois County, VA. Lincoln and other non-Mormon supporters who thought as Northerners the Mormons would be good immigrants have been getting disillusioned with Mormon support of slavery and their militancy with being run by a theocracy. Talk of moving them west.

John Tyler (son of former VA president John Tyler) succeeds Henry Clay as President of Virginia. He continues Clay's policies of westward expansion and opposition to Jackson in SC.

Jackson dies in 1845. He is greatly mourned in SC, NC, and Texas. His vice president William Graham becomes President. He continues Jackson's policies of western settlement, strong military, and in foreign affairs looks to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. A naval base in Yucatan is established and a defense treaty is signed with Texas but not Yucatan. His first decision is to call for a conference at New Orleans of the heads of state of SC, NC, and Texas for deciding on the future of the Republic of Texas, as calls in both SC and Texas have increased for union of the two nations. In response Tyler of VA calls for VA, NY, CT, and MA to meet in NYC to decide on the future of Oregon.

 

[Napoleonrules]

1846/1847

Kearny escorts the Mormons led by Brigham Young to Mexican territory in the Great Basin and the Great Salt Lake. Mormon colonies are spread out throughout Nuevo Mexico in the coming years.

In Philadelphia the Liberty Bell is rung in commemoration of Benjamin Franklin's birthday. It cracks. This is considered a bad omen, that further wars between the former British colonies will continue and ruin them all. Franklin's Join or Die cartoon are republished, with many editorials in newspapers noting that even then Georgia had been omitted, as was Delaware, and that New England was represented as one section of the snake and not as their individual colonies.

NY, MA, CT, and VA agree to unite in a condominium over Oregon in competition with British claims. John Sloat, commodore in the NY navy, leads an allied squadron to secure the Juan de Fuca strait. Zachary Taylor of VA leads the allied army overland to the Oregon Territory. Meanwhile General Winfield Scott of VA and NY general William Wadsworth take charge of allied forces in preparation of an invasion of Canada should the British not back down, Scott in Detroit and Wadsworth at the Niagara frontier. The Join or Die flag is flown at all allied camps and newspapers report the concept for a general congress of MA, CT, VT, NY, NJ, DE, MD, and VA to meet in NYC is gaining ground in the various national legislatures. Nobody thinks that asking NC and SC to join is appropriate.

American immigrants to Alto California declare independence as the California Republic. Texas declares war on Mexico in support of California. John Fremont, of the SC army who was under authority to cooperate with the Texas army in exploring the Red River valley, decides to take it upon himself to rally his men and Texans to join the California rebellion, he arrives in 1847 and promises (without authority) SC support.

The Mayans, the native population to the Yucatan, revolt against the European descended elites in charge of the Republic of Yucatan. Seeing Mexico in multi front war in the north with Texas and the rebellion in Alto California, and what they think is SC support; Yucatan believes it best to ask SC for assistance after first considering Mexico. SC attempts to send assistance however NY Commodore Matthew Perry, already in the Caribbean Sea, moves to intercept and turn away all SC support.

NY hopes to contain SC's aggression and expansion of slavery, therefore passes the Mexico Non-Interference Act of 1847. NY recognizes Mexico's entire territory, including Yucatan, Texas, and California and makes a point of calling Mexico a partner in the anti-slavery movement. NY calls on the rest of the allied nations to do the same. VA protests based on grounds of slavery, but not strongly as they don't wish to see a strong SC either; the allied nations agree to recognize Mexico's full territory and to participate in a "quarantine" of the nation.

 

[Napoleonrules]

1848/1849

Gold is discovered in Alto California just as the war heats up.

Switzerland ends their civil war, the Sonderbund War, between Catholic cantons who want less centralized control and the Protestants with a centralized structure. The Sonderbund (Catholic alliance) was easily defeated, it was feared though that in time the Swiss Confederation could go the way of the old USA confederation. Writings from Jay, Madison, Hamilton, Washington, and Franklin along with ideas from the French Republic are used in forming a federal compromise. This is picked up in the northern nations of the "Join or Die" movement.

Allied forces occupy Oregon Territory. The British, hoping to diffuse the situation meet with allied representatives. Britain recognizes the border of the Wisconsin Territory in the allied favor, VA becomes a member of the Wisconsin condominium on paper in return for recognizing Wisconsin's western boundary as the Mississippi to the source and then a direct line north to the Lake of the Wood; but NY and MA still remain the only two members with real authority, the allied members recognize British Red River Colony borders as the watershed of the Red River which flows north to Lake Winnipeg, VA and Britain make the 49th latitude as the border from where the watershed meets it, west to Rocky Mountains; from there the 49th continues to be the southern border of British territory. VA recognizes their western border as the Continental Divide from the 49th to the extension of their border with NC, this actually pushes VA's border west as it pulls in part of the watershed of the Rio Grande, but this is unknown at the time. The Oregon Territory is divided also along the 49th except Vancouver Island. Condominium control over Oregon is established by the allies with NY and VA taking the lead in control. Slaves already owned by new immigrants to Oregon are allowed in Oregon but the slave trade is illegal as is the selling and buying of new slaves is outlawed.

Mormons, NC, SC, Texas, and California have all declared war on Mexico and have some cooperation. By 1849 Mexico sues for peace, relinquishes all claims north of San Diego, the Gila River, and the Rio Grande. The Mormon community declares independence as Deseret. Texas relinquishes claims north of the 36 degree 30 minute latitude to Deseret. Deseret claims Los Angeles and San Diego, however so does California. William Gwin of SC arrives in southern California and, being pro-south and pro-slavery, works towards Mormon annexation as opposed to the more pro-Northeast anti-slavery northern and central California populated by northern American settlers and European immigrants. He is backed by William Travis and his SC/TX forces.

Joseph Revere of MA in command of the MA contingent of the allied naval force in Oregon takes his ships to San Francisco Bay. He gives recognition to the Republic of California but knows it is unrealistic that California can claim all the land east to the Continental Divide (VA border). He proposes that California claim and attempt to hold the line of the Great Basin/Sierra Nevada.